Sunday 2 June 2013

Networking for Life: Are you looking at it in a positive light?






Connection Corner Members
Networking - some people hear the word and cringe inside. “Do I have to?” or “I’m not good at it” are often standard reactions when the word comes up in conversation. Perhaps, it’s time to re-frame what it is and what a positive action it can and should be.

Networking is a necessary element in making progress in your life and career transitions. It’s a pro-active way of increasing your connections and, remember this, helping others increase theirs. If handled correctly, think of it as the business world’s way of ‘paying it forward.’

Connection Corner is a virtual networking group founded 5 years ago to help women in their life and career transitions. Call it networking for life. We are a linkedin group and we host only one event a year so people can make face-to-face connections at an annual event. It helps members deepen the connections and reach out more personably. 

You see, I believe networking will always need to happen. It’s not about that one time you really need a new job, it’s about making connections for your life and career goals. Living can be bumpy - there is no smooth path - jobs change, mentors leave, ambitions transition and desires grow in different directions. That’s why networking and your own network can be a powerful tool for sorting out the new places you land and the people who will help you land there.

Connection Corner Event June 2012
This week, on Monday night at 8 p.m. I speak to David Wojcik of BizTV on Rogers TV about the different ways women and men network and I host our annual Connection Corner networking event on Thursday, June 6th at 6 p.m. at Jingles in Toronto. I am honored to spread the word on the power of making connections for today and for the future. I am also honored that our warm group of women reaches out to help others looking for a new job, a new volunteer opportunity or for help in other areas. We connect each other easily and pro-actively, and that’s a simple but powerful means of helping others.

Simply put, networking for life is a win-win for you and others as they move through the different phases of living and working in today’s world. It also makes you feel good when you reach out to help others. According to scientist and author David R. Hamilton, when we do something kind for someone else, we feel good. On a spiritual level, many people feel that this is because it is the right thing to do and so we're tapping into something deep and profound inside us that says, "This is who I am."
On a biochemical level, it is believed that the good feeling we get is due to elevated levels of the brain's natural versions of morphine and heroin, which we know as endogenous opioids. They cause elevated levels of dopamine in the brain, so we get a natural high, often referred to as "Helper's High."

So, look at networking in a new light and make it a positive and empowering tool for yourself and for those who come across your path. It’s well worth the effort!

Steffi Black is a Life and Career Coach and Co-Founder of Connection Corner, a virtual network for women
www.steffiblackcoaching.com
@steffiblack

No comments:

Post a Comment